Breaking Down the Federal Register Notice: DHS’s Family-Focused Plan
In June 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a parole-in-place program called “Keeping Families Together.” This was for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. The program aimed to promote family unity and economic stability. It also sought to streamline the immigration process with background checks.
This program allowed eligible people in the U.S. without a lawful entry to apply for relief. They could do so without leaving the country. Leaving the U.S. for consular processing often leads to long family separations. This new program would have granted parole in place on a case-by-case basis. Parole in place is a discretionary authority. It allows DHS to grant temporary presence for urgent humanitarian reasons or for a significant public benefit. Individuals granted parole could then apply for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents. This would let them get a Green Card without leaving the U.S.
Eligibility
The eligibility criteria were specific. Applicants had to be the noncitizen spouse or stepchild of a U.S. citizen. The qualifying marriage had to be valid on or before June 17, 2024. For stepchildren, the noncitizen parent had to marry the U.S. citizen before the stepchild’s 18th birthday and on or before June 17, 2024.
Applicants also had to have been in the U.S. continuously for a set period. Spouses needed to be present since at least June 17, 2014. Stepchildren needed to be present since at least June 17, 2024. All applicants had to lack a disqualifying criminal history. They could not pose a threat to public safety or national security.
The Application
The application process was online only. Applicants had to file Form I-131F, “Application for Parole in Place for Certain Noncitizen Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens,” through a MyUSCIS online account. Each person, including children, needed a separate account and form. The filing fee was $580. Fee waivers were not available.
Applicants had to submit various documents. These included proof of identity, the U.S. citizen’s citizenship, their relationship, and continuous physical presence. Anyone with a criminal history had to provide records showing the final outcome of any charges. After filing, applicants would have a biometrics appointment for fingerprints and photos. If approved, parole would generally be for up to three years. This would allow them to apply for work authorization and, if eligible, for a Green Card.
Program Status
The “Keeping Families Together” program has been halted. On November 7, 2024, a federal court in Texas ruled against it. The court vacated the parole process. USCIS is no longer accepting or processing new Form I-131F applications. All pending applications will not be adjudicated. Biometrics appointments for this process have also been canceled. USCIS has stated that it will provide more information on how it will handle pending cases and paid fees.
Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “This process to keep U.S. families together will remove these undue barriers for those who would otherwise qualify to live and work lawfully in the U.S., while also creating greater efficiencies in the immigration system, conducting effective screening and vetting, and focusing on noncitizens who contribute to and have longstanding connections within American communities across the country.”